Dan Wakeford — until recently the top editor at failed news startup Messenger — has been named editor-in-chief of US Weekly, celebrity magazine reported Tuesday.
Wakeford, also a former editor-in-chief of People magazine, left Messenger in January after it was shut down by owner Jimmy Finkelstein after less than a year.
Wakeford succeeds Maria Fontura, who was appointed last summer after stints at Rolling Stone, OK!, Men’s Journal and Maxim.
Fontoura was abruptly fired on Tuesday and Wakeford’s name was posted “on her office door within minutes,” the source said.
Mr. Wakeford, 49, has been hired in a big way by US Weekly, the embattled celebrity and entertainment industry luxury company, which is operating on “a shoestring staff and budget,” according to people familiar with the matter. It is said that there is
Wakeford attracted attention at Messenger for his hands-off approach to running a 300-person newsroom and for his hefty salary of $900,000, as reported by the Post.
“People didn’t know he was British,” said a Messenger staffer. The first time he heard Wakeford speak was during an emergency meeting just before the company was shut down.
Sources close to Mr. Wakeford deny that Mr. Wakeford was absent or that he had a fractious relationship with Mr. Finkelstein, saying that Mr. Finkelstein held meetings to improve company culture and morale. He said he was “restricted” from sending emails to staff.
A source close to US Weekly told the Post that Wakeford’s move to US Weekly would come as a big shock because US Weekly operates in a very lean and “hands-on” way. He said he would receive it.
“He will have to go to the office,” the source said, adding, “It’s cheap too.”
Most top-level editors don’t even make more than $150,000, the person said.
US Weekly’s parent company, A360 Media, touted the hire in a press release, touting Wakeford’s past stints as editor-in-chief of People magazine and editorial director of Entertainment Weekly, but most recently leading Messenger. He did not mention his harrowing mission.
“I am thrilled and honored to join such a trusted and iconic brand as Us Weekly,” Wakeford said. “I have always had a passion for telling compelling stories and connecting with readers on a deeper level. I worked with Us Weekly’s talented team to engage and engage our audience across multiple platforms. We look forward to delivering zeitgeist-defining content that entertains and resonates.”
A360media representatives did not respond to requests for comment.
The company said Wakeford will oversee all editorial content and strategy for the struggling US Weekly magazine, including its continued expansion into digital.
Mr. Finkelstein lured Mr. Wakeford and a number of other experienced journalists with big salaries in hopes of building a news organization to rival the likes of the New York Times, but the organization was unable to attract supporters and advertising. Unable to increase income, the company went bankrupt.
Wakeford and other Messenger staff were left without any severance or benefits when the organization folded.
